Single Idea 17933

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / m. Explanation by proof]

Full Idea

One kind of proof that is thought to be unexplanatory is the 'reductio' proof.

Gist of Idea

Reductio proofs do not seem to be very explanatory

Source

Mark Colyvan (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics [2012], 5.2.1)

Book Reference

Colyvan,Mark: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics' [CUP 2012], p.79


A Reaction

Presumably you generate a contradiction, but are given no indication of why the contradiction has arisen? Tracking back might reveal the source of the problem? Colyvan thinks reductio can be explanatory.